David Blough's promotion drew mixed reactions from fans and the media. The Washington Commanders believe he can step up and be a tremendous replacement for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The concern is that he hasn't called plays before.
Blough wasted no time in alleviating concerns. He's on the lookout for new staff, and his first hire could be his most important.
With Blough moving up and Tavita Pritchard leaving to become Stanford's head coach, the Commanders are seeking a new quarterbacks coach. Several candidates will be considered, but Washington's first interview request comes with significant intrigue attached.
And it would make Jayden Daniels a very happy man indeed.
Commanders seeking a former Jayden Daniels ally for their quarterbacks coach vacancy
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Commanders have requested permission to speak with Mike Bercovici, the assistant quarterbacks coach who's been a quiet force behind Bryce Young's surge with the Carolina Panthers. He's highly thought of, and he's also crossed paths with Daniels before.
"The Commanders have requested to interview Panthers assistant QBs coach Mike Bercovici for their QBs coach position on OC David Blough’s staff. A former QB himself and just 32, Bercovici has played a big role on Carolina’s staff working with Bryce Young. He also crossed paths with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State in 2019."Jordan Schultz
This familiarity goes a long way. Daniels lost Kingsbury and Pritchard this offseason. Keeping Blough around and bringing in Bercovici would insulate the signal-caller with people he trusts fully. And his track record speaks for itself.
Bercovici worked under Kingsbury during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, helping Kyler Murray become highly productive. He then joined the Panthers when Frank Reich became head coach. Although the hire went horribly, Dave Canales kept him on staff. He is highly regarded in Carolina, and his work to help Young galvanize his career has only further enhanced his reputation.
This switch would be difficult for Bercovici to turn down. It's a step up, and reuniting with Daniels only sweetens the pot. And if everything goes well, he could take the leap into an offensive coordinator role in Washington or elsewhere in the near future.
There is no doubt that Daniels gave this potential acquisition his seal of approval. Blough and the Commanders need to consult the quarterback heavily throughout the process. There is added urgency to hit the ground running in 2026, so having these already-developed relationships to lean on is only to aid his cause.
Others might be in line to talk with the Commanders. But if Bercovici impresses enough, the job might be his.